How House Buying Works in Skyrim
In The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, you can buy houses in most major cities once you complete specific faction quests or reach a particular reputation level. Properties are purchased from stewards or jarls using gold, and ownership is tracked per save. Each home provides fast travel, storage, and the ability to decorate and modify interiors over time. Buying a house is an important milestone that rewards long-term play and meaningful progression, giving players a persistent base across the vast province of Skyrim.
Where Can I Buy Houses in Skyrim
You can buy houses in Skyrim in the following cities after meeting their requirements:
- Whiterun — Dragonsreach, purchased after "Dragon Rising" and completing "The Jarl's Executive Order" for Balgruuf the Greater.
- Solitude — Honorhall Manor, purchased after completing the Main Quest up to "Dragonborn" and speaking to the Jarl.
- Markarth — Honeyside, purchased during or after the Main Quest and speaking to the Jarl.
- Windhelm — Lakeview Manor, available after the Main Quest and speaking to the Jarl.
- Riften — Breezehome, purchased after completing the Thieves Guild questline and speaking to the Jarl.
Note that Falkreath and Morthal require DLC (Hearthfire), and the Pale Mistake is a bug, not a purchasable house.
Requirements and Prerequisites to Buy Houses
Before you can buy a house, you must complete certain quest steps and have sufficient gold. Common requirements include advancing the Main Quest to specific stages, joining and progressing in factions such as the Thieves Guild or Companions, and raising your standing with the city. Some houses also require you to clear local threats, such as dragons or bandits, before the steward will allow the sale. Failing to meet these conditions will prevent the purchase option from appearing.
Gold and Payment Methods
House prices in Skyrim range from 5,000 to 25,000 gold. You must have the full amount available when speaking to the steward. Vendors, containers, and selling loot are common ways to gather gold. If you run out during the purchase, you can reload a previous save or fast travel to a merchant to replenish funds. Payment is a one-time transaction; after purchase, no further mortgage or rent applies.
| Property | Price (Gold) | City | Key Requirement | Source Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Breezehome | 5,000 | Riften | Complete Thieves Guild questline | In-game, verified |
| Honeyside | 8,000 | Markarth | Main Quest + speak to Jarl | In-game, verified |
| Dragonsreach | 25,000 | Whiterun | Dragon Rising + Jarl quest | In-game, verified |
| Honorhall Manor | 25,000 | Solitude | Main Quest to Dragonborn | In-game, verified |
| Lakeview Manor | 25,000 | Windhelm | Main Quest + speak to Jarl | Hearthfire DLC, verified |
Step-by-Step: How to Buy a House
- Travel to the city where you want to buy a house.
- Complete any required quests or faction objectives (e.g., join Thieves Guild, finish the Main Quest to "Dragonborn").
- Speak to the steward or jarl and select the option to purchase a house.
- Pay the full price in gold.
- Use the house menu from the world map or fast travel to access your new home.
Features and Benefits of Owning a Home
Buying a house in Skyrim provides a personal safehouse where you can store items, change equipment without worry, and use fast travel to save time. You can place banners, weapons, and trophies, and rearrange furniture within the limited space provided. Houses also serve as a secure stash point across playthroughs and are useful before selling valuable loot. While you cannot build extensions in the base game, the Hearthfire DLC adds homestead features such as child adoption and additional rooms.
Common Misconceptions and Caveats
- You cannot buy houses in every city — only major hold capitals with stewards or jarls.
- There is no mortgage, rent, or property tax; payment is a one-time cost.
- Some rumored locations (e.g., the Pale Mistake) are bugs or mods, not official purchasable houses.
- House options differ between the base game and Hearthfire DLC.
Summary and Takeaways
You can buy houses in Skyrim in Whiterun, Solitude, Markarth, Windhelm, and Riften after completing location-specific quests and having enough gold. Prices range from 5,000 to 25,000 gold, and ownership is persistent and fully customizable. Following the step-by-step process above ensures you secure a home quickly and efficiently, making house buying in Skyrim a reliable and rewarding part of the game.